Bitcoin News Today: Nasdaq Pushes Bitcoin Further into the Mainstream with Quadrupled IBIT Options Availability

Nasdaq Proposes Major Increase in IBIT Options Limits

Nasdaq has submitted a request to regulators to significantly raise the position and exercise limits for options linked to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT). This proposal would increase the cap from 250,000 to 1 million contracts, reflecting the rising institutional interest in Bitcoin derivatives.

The International Securities Exchange (ISE), operated by Nasdaq, aims to bring IBIT’s options limits in line with those of other highly liquid ETFs, such as the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets and SPDR Gold Trust. This change comes as IBIT rapidly expands, becoming the leading platform for Bitcoin options open interest and even overtaking established venues like Deribit. Market analysts believe that higher limits will better serve institutional investors, enhance market liquidity, and support larger-scale trading and hedging strategies.

IBIT’s Rapid Expansion and Market Impact

BlackRock’s IBIT has experienced remarkable growth, boasting a market cap of $86.2 billion and an average daily trading volume of 44.6 million shares as of September 2025. According to Nasdaq, even if the new 1 million contract limit is fully utilized, it would represent only 7.5% of IBIT’s available shares and a mere 0.284% of the total Bitcoin supply, minimizing the risk of market disruption. The proposal also includes removing restrictions on physically settled FLEX options, a popular tool among large funds for tailored hedging, aligning IBIT with commodity ETFs like GLD.

Bitcoin’s Mainstream Recognition Grows

This initiative marks a significant step in recognizing Bitcoin as a mainstream financial asset. By standardizing IBIT’s position limits with those of major stocks like Apple and NVIDIA, Nasdaq is making institutional access more equitable. The move coincides with BlackRock increasing its IBIT holdings by 14%, raising its investment to $156 million in the third quarter of 2025. Industry experts, including Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, note that these changes lower barriers for large trades and further integrate Bitcoin into traditional financial markets.

Institutional Adoption Accelerates

Institutional investment in Bitcoin ETFs has surged, with total inflows surpassing $40 billion by November 2025. This momentum has been fueled by greater regulatory clarity, such as the SEC’s approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, which has made the asset class more accessible to large investors. JPMorgan’s recent introduction of a structured note tied to IBIT demonstrates growing confidence, offering clients leveraged exposure while addressing concerns around asset custody.

Stablecoins Bridge Crypto and Traditional Finance

At the same time, the adoption of stablecoins is bringing digital assets and conventional finance closer together. Visa’s collaboration with Aquanow to expand stablecoin settlements throughout the CEMEA region is designed to lower cross-border transaction costs. By utilizing blockchain-based solutions like USDC, Visa enables year-round settlements and reduces intermediary fees. Monthly stablecoin settlement volumes have reached an annualized rate of $2.5 billion, highlighting the increasing trust institutions place in digital assets.

Outlook: A Maturing Crypto Landscape

The combined effect of Nasdaq’s proposed changes and Visa’s infrastructure improvements points to a more mature and integrated crypto ecosystem. Institutions are increasingly treating Bitcoin as a macro-level asset, with experts forecasting lower volatility and greater liquidity as derivatives markets expand. However, for Bitcoin to achieve lasting stability, regulatory frameworks must evolve to address the operational challenges faced by smaller crypto firms, ensuring compliance while fostering continued innovation.